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Communication, B.A.

Understand how communication shapes relationships, communities, media and public life.

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Communication is at the heart of human connection. At Cal State Monterey Bay, students study how communication shapes identity, culture, relationships, institutions, and public discussions.

The Communication B.A. combines communication theory with hands-on practice in writing, speaking, media analysis and community engagement. Students develop the critical-thinking, cultural-awareness and ethical decision-making skills needed to communicate effectively in a diverse and rapidly changing world.

Whether students are interested in media, public relations, advocacy, education, marketing or public service, this degree prepares them to communicate with purpose and make a meaningful impact.

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Build a future that connects

Your Communication degree will help you connect ideas, people and communities through a curriculum that blends theory, practice and reflection. Explore how communication shapes the world around you, develop skills for diverse audiences and apply your learning to questions that matter in your community and future career.

Communication shapes how people form relationships, share ideas, participate in communities and make sense of the world. In this program, you will explore interpersonal, cultural, media and public communication while examining identity, power, ethics and social change.

You will build the skills needed to communicate clearly and effectively across different audiences and platforms. You will learn to communicate responsibly across differences and use communication as a tool for collaboration, advocacy and community engagement. Our program emphasizes rigorous instruction and practice in writing, speaking, media analysis, and storytelling. As a Communication major, you will develop critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness, media literacy, persuasiveness and collaboration skills.

You will also connect communication theory to real-world questions and community experiences by participating in applied projects, community engagement, service learning and collaborative work.

Communication professionals help organizations, communities and individuals share ideas, build relationships and respond to complex challenges. Communication graduates can apply their skills in a wide range of careers, including:

  • Public relations
  • Marketing
  • Journalism
  • Media production
  • Corporate communication
  • Social media management
  • Human resources
  • Public service
  • Nonprofit advocacy
  • Event planning
  • Education
  • Law

The degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in communication, journalism, media production, education, law and public administration.

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A Lifetime of Value

Tuition and Fees Financial Aid

Communication, B.A.

The Communication, B.A. provides students with the critical tools and ethical frameworks needed to understand, analyze and apply communication in a variety of contexts, from interpersonal interactions to mass media, digital platforms and public dialogue.

Through coursework that emphasizes cultural awareness, media literacy, rhetorical analysis, storytelling and collaborative problem-solving, students learn to communicate effectively and responsibly in a diverse and rapidly changing world.

Students develop strong written, oral and digital communication skills while exploring how communication shapes power, identity and social change. They also gain professional experience through opportunities such as community-based projects, internships and applied work.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Explain how communication shapes relationships, identities, cultures, institutions and public life
  • Craft, articulate and deliver clear and effective messages for diverse audiences and communication platforms
  • Analyze communication using cultural, rhetorical, ethical and media perspectives
  • Apply communication theories and methods to real-world situations
  • Communicate ethically and responsibly across differences
  • Collaborate with others to address community and professional challenges

Communication students are prepared to use their skills in ways that support communities, organizations and public life.

Through community engagement, advocacy, media analysis and applied communication projects, students explore how communication can promote understanding, strengthen relationships and contribute to positive social change.

Cal State Monterey Bay offers an inspiring coastal setting for exploring how communication shapes the histories, cultures, languages and communities of the Central Coast and beyond.

The Communication program encourages students to extend their learning beyond the classroom through community engagement, applied projects and internships. Students can deepen their understanding of how people share stories, navigate differences and build stronger communities across interpersonal, cultural, media and public settings.

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Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Whether you are exploring majors, planning your courses or preparing for a career, the Department of Humanities and Communication can help you understand your options and find your path.

Our experienced and supportive admissions staff is here to provide all the individualized guidance you need.

Learn how to apply and take the next step toward earning your bachelor’s degree in Communication.

Learn more about academic programs and opportunities in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.